1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Line 1-2 baking sheets with Parchment Paper or baking mats; set aside.
3. Using a Stand Mixer, fitted with the Paddle Attachment, cream the Softened Butter, Powdered Sugar and Vanilla on the Medium setting (#4) for about 5 minutes, scraping down the inside of the bowl as needed; the mixture should be light in color and whipped.
4. Next, lower the speed of the Mixer to the lowest setting and gradually add the GF Flour, 1/2 cup at a time; Dough will be soft and smooth.
5. Place a large Star tip into a piping bag (or large plastic resealable bag) and transfer the dough to the piping bag.
6. Pipe the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets in Rosette or Circle designs/shapes. The dough does not spread very much, if at all, so you can pipe a lot of cookies per sheet – I usually pipe 20 – 2″ cookies per sheet.
7. Sprinkle each cookie with sprinkles/colored sugar, if desired.
8. Next, place the cookie sheets into the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes to chill the dough – this helps them maintain their shape while cooking.
9. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
10. Once the cookies are finished chilling, bake them for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges turn a light, golden brown.
11. Cool the cookies for about 5 minutes on the cookie sheets before transferring them to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
12. Enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa, tea or coffee…or a glass of cold milk 😉

Making the Cookie Dough:

1. Gather all the ingredients needed for the cookies.
2. Using a Stand or Handheld Mixer, combine the Butter, Salt, Maple Sugar and Maple Extract; beat until creamy and smooth.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar to the Butter mixture and mix on the lowest setting, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until well-blended and smooth.
4. In a small bowl, measure out the 1 1/2 Cups Flour using the “spoon and scrape” method (using a spoon, scoop out the GF Flour into a Dry Measuring Cup, overfilling the cup; then scrape off the excess flour back into the flour bag/container using the back edge of a knife); gently pour the measured GF Flour into the small bowl.
5. Add the Xanthan Gum (if your GF Flour mix doesn’t contain it) to the GF Flour in the small bowl and mix well.
6. With the mixer set on the lowest setting, gradually add the GF Flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, to the Butter mixture; mix well and scrape sides of bowl as need between each addition of the Flour.
   Note: the cookie dough will be crumbly, but should hold together when squeezed into a ball; if the dough does not hold together, add 1/2-1 more Tablespoon of softened unsalted butter.
7. Form the cookie dough into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap; Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
8. While the dough is in the refrigerator, line 1-2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or baking mats; set aside.
9. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
10. After 30 minutes, remove cookie dough from refrigerator and cut in half for a more manageable portion of dough to roll out.
    Note: if the dough is refrigerated for more than 30 minutes, set it out on your kitchen counter for about 15-20 minutes to soften up a little before trying to roll it out.
11. Once the dough is ready, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4″ thickness.
12. Using the desired cookie cutter/cutters, cut dough into shapes and place onto the prepared cookie sheet/sheets.
13. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cookies are a light golden brown; cool on baking sheets. Enjoy as single Maple Shortbread Cookies or fill with the Maple Buttercream filling (recipe below).
    

The Maple Buttercream Filling:

1. If making sandwich cookies, gather the ingredients for the Maple Buttercream Filling.
2. Using a Stand or Handheld Mixer, combine all of the Filling ingredients, being sure to gradually add the Powdered Sugar, 1/2 cup at a time; adjust the Milk or Powdered Sugar as needed for the desired consistency (you want the filling to be thick and creamy).
   
3. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you are ready to fill :).
4. Using a small knife or the back of a spoon, spread the desired amount of filling onto the backside of one of the cookies; then gently press another cookie on top of the filling and scrape any excess filling from the sides of the cookies with the knife or spoon.
   
5. Serve with your a hot cup of tea or coffee and sit back and enjoy 🙂
   

Making the Cookies:

1. Line cookie sheet/sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; set aside.
2. Gather the ingredients.
3. In a Large mixing bowl, sift together the GF Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt and Spices; Mix well; Set aside.
4. In another Large mixing bowl, combine the Sugars, Oil, Pumpkin, Eggs and Vanilla Extract until completely blended.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, one cup at a time, to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap or dish cloth and let rest for 30 minutes. This allows the GF Flour to absorb the moisture from the wet ingredients which reduces (hopefully, eliminates!) the grainy texture.
7. When ready to bake the cookies, place oven rack in the middle position and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
8. Using a Small cookie scoop (or medium, if you want larger cookies) scoop out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
9. Spray the back of a spoon with non-stick cooking spray and use the spoon to flatten the cookie mounds (re-apply spray as often as needed).
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
11. Let cookies cool on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Frosting:

1. While the cookies are baking and cooling start making the frosting…
2. Using a Handheld or Stand Mixer, beat the softened Butter, Cream Cheese and Vanilla Extract until well-blended.
3. Gradually add the Powdered Sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until completely blended and creamy.
4. Add the Ground Cinnamon and Mix thoroughly.
5. You’re ready to frost the cookies and enjoy!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Gather the ingredients.
3. Line 1-2 cookie sheets with Parchment Paper or a baking pad. Set aside.
4. Using a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, combine the Brown Sugar and Softened Butter until light and fluffy.
5. Next, add the Vanilla and the Eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after adding each Egg.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the GF Flour, Salt and Baking Soda until well-blended.
7. Slowly add the Flour mixture to the Butter mixture, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
8. Next, add the Oats (and Chopped Nuts, if using), one cup at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition. Mix until all Oats are blended (be sure to check the very bottom of the bowl for any dry oats).
9. Using a cookie scoop or spoon of your desired size (I used a 2″ cookie scoop), drop cookie dough balls onto prepared cookie sheets several inches apart (they spread!)
10. Bake for 12-14 minutes (longer if you want crispy cookies).
11. Cool on the cookie sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
12. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a bowl of Vanilla Ice Cream 🙂
    

Directions for Making the Powdered Sugar Coating:

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the 1 Cup Powdered Sugar with the Kool-Aid Powdered Lemonade; set aside.

Directions for Making the Cookies:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line 1-2 cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the GF Flour Mix, Baking Powder and Salt; set aside.
4. Using a Stand Mixer, combine the Butter and Sugars until smooth and creamy.
5. Next, add the Egg, Vanilla, Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice to the Butter-Sugar mixture, blending well.
6. Add the Flour Mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, to the dough, mixing on the Low setting until just combined.
7. Using a small cookie scoop (or spoon and rolling the dough into balls), scoop out the cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, placing them 2″ apart. Using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass, slightly flatten each cookie to form disks.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven. I bake mine for 14-15 minutes, because I prefer these cookies to be slightly crunchy, like the original Sunshine recipe.
9. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes.
10. Carefully toss 3-4 cookies at a time in the powdered sugar mixture, coating each cookie well.
11. Place the powdered cookies on a cooling rack to continue cooling.
12. Enjoy!
    

1. Gather the ingredients needed for the Lemon Cookie dough.
   
2. Using a Stand Mixer fitted with the Paddle attachment, cream together the Butter, Powdered Sugar and Salt until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Vanilla Extract, Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice to the Butter mixture, mixing until combined.
4. Next, gradually add the GF Flour, 1/2 cup at a time, to the mixing bowl, blending thoroughly between each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Once the cookie dough has been thoroughly blended, turn the dough out onto a large cutting board and roll into a log about 9″-10″ in length. Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer for at least 2 hours.
   
6. When dough is chilled enough for slicing, preheat oven to 350 degrees and remove chilled dough from the freezer.
7. Line a cookie sheet with a nonstick baking mat or Parchment paper. Set aside.
8. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 1/4″ thick sections and place each disc about 2″ apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
   
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges turn a light golden-brown.
10. Let cookies cool on pan for 1-2 minutes until removing to a wire cooling rack. Cool completely before applying the frosting.

Making the Creamy Lemon Frosting

1. Using a Stand Mixer fitted with the Paddle attachment, cream together the softened Cream Cheese and Powdered Sugar until well-blended.
2. Add the Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice and Salt to the Cream Cheese mixture. Continue beating until completely mixed.
3. Transfer the Frosting to a piping bag, fitted with a large star tip. Please Note: this is optional, as you can apply the frosting either using a butter knife or a piping bag (or plastic storage bag) with the end snipped off.
4. When the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the desired amount of frosting onto each cookie. Enjoy 🙂

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line cookie sheet with a Silpat Baking Pad or parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Using a Stand Mixer fitted with the Paddle attachment, cream together the Butter and Sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla and continue mixing until all is blended, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the Sifted GF Flour, Salt, Baking Powder and Baking Soda.
   Note: please be sure to sift the flour since it helps prevent grittiness.
6. Add the Flour mixture to the Butter mixture. Mix until well-combined.
7. Next, add the Oats and Chocolate Chips and mix until incorporated. Note: add the chopped nuts now if you’re including them.
8. Lastly, add the M&M Candies and Rice Cereal and mix well using a large, sturdy spoon.
9. Using a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop, drop dough balls at least 2″ apart onto the prepared cookie sheet. I only placed 8 cookie dough balls on each baking sheet.
   
10. Bake in preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Cookies are done when they turn a light golden brown.
11. Let cookies cool for a couple of minutes on baking sheet, before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
12. These cookies store well in an airtight container for 3-5 days, if they last that long! They also ship well…I send these cookies to one of my daughters, who states that they arrive looking like they were just baked 🙂
    
    

Making the Cookies

1. Gather the ingredients.
   
2. In a small heavy pot, melt the 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter on Low. Once the butter is melted, add the 1 1/2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels and continue heating over low until the chocolate is melted. Mixture should be smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients (Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder and Salt). Mix well and set aside.
4. Either using a Standing or Handheld Mixer, beat the Eggs, Brown Sugar and Vanilla Extract on low until blended.
5. Add the cooled Chocolate mixture to the Egg mixture and mix on Low until blended.
6. Next, add the Flour mixture 1/2 Cup at a time to the Wet Mixture and beat on Low until well blended. The dough will be thick, like Brownies. Cover the bowl with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
7. Once the dough has “hardened” to the consistency of modeling clay, remove the dough from the refrigerator.
8. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
9. Line 1-2 cookie sheets with Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats and set aside.
10. Using a Small Cookie Scoop, scoop out dough and roll into balls. Place them 2″ apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
    
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they start to form cracks on their tops.
    
12. Let cookies sit on cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
    

Making the Icing

1. While the cookies are cooling, combine the 4 Tablespoons melted Butter, 1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder, 1/4 Cup Hot Water, Vanilla Extract and 2 Cups Confectioner’s Sugar. Mix on Low until well blended. If mixture is too thick, add a little bit of water (1 Tablespoon at a time) until icing is a little runny.
2. Next, keeping the cooled cookies on the cooling rack, place rack on a cookie sheet or paper towels to catch the run-off icing.
3. Spoon desired amount of icing onto 2-3 cookies at a time and then add sprinkles….icing sets up quickly, so only apply icing to a few cookies at a time.
   
4. Continue applying the icing and decorative sprinkles to the rest of the cookies until done.
   Enjoy!
   

Getting Ready!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Line 1-2 cookie sheets with a silpat cooking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Gather your ingredients.
   

Making the Cookie Dough

1. Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a stand or handheld mixer ~ about 2-3 minutes. Scrape sides.
2. Add the whole egg and yolk to the butter mixture one at a time ~ mix for 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in vanilla extract until just blended.
4. In a medium or large mixing bowl, combine the GF flour, salt and baking powder. Blend well.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 1/2 cup at a time, being sure to scrape the sides between each flour addition.
6. Dough should feel soft and not sticky.

Making the Batons (Kids LOVE doing this part!)

1. Fit a pastry bag with a large rosette or star tip.
2. Spoon the cookie dough into the pastry bag.
3. Squeeze the dough into 2″ batons (logs) onto the prepared cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a golden brown color.
5. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheets for about 3 minutes before transferring to the cooling racks.

Making the Chocolate Dip

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Heat over low heat until completely melted and smooth ~ stirring with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent clumping.
2. When the chocolate and butter are ready, remove from heat and add the milk, one tablespoon at a time. Whisk or stir well after each addition of milk.

Putting it all Together (The FUN Part!)

1. Once all of the cookies are completely cooled, dip each end into the melted chocolate mixture and then the sprinkles (put the sprinkles into a cereal bowl for ample dipping room).
   
2. Lay each decorated cookie onto a cooling rack to let the chocolate cool and set.
   
3. Use different colored sprinkles to mix things up!
   
4. Or leave some with just the chocolate for those who don’t prefer sprinkles.
   

1. Gather all your ingredients.
   

The Flour Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the Flour, *Xanthan Gum (only if needed), Baking Soda and spices. Mix well and set aside.
   

The Shortening Mixture

1. In a small saucepan, melt the shortening, remove from heat and cool for about 10-15 minutes (this is so you don’t cook the eggs when you add it).
2. While the shortening is cooling, combine the Molasses, Sugar and egg using a Stand or Handheld Mixer. Add the cooled shortening and mix well.
   

Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Slowly add the Flour Mixture to the wet mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, blending well after each addition.
   
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours – I find that chilling the dough overnight gets the best results.
3. When ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
4. While the oven is preheating shape the dough into small 1″ balls (you can use a small cookie scoop to get more uniform cookies) and roll in a bowl of granulated sugar, coating well.
   
5. Space cookie balls at least 2″ apart on an ungreased cookie sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.
   
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are covered in “cracks.”
   
7. Let cool for about 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely…try one (or two) while they’re still warm!
   
8. Once they are completely cooled, you can package them in cellophane gift bags
9. Enjoy!